Thursday, October 21, 2010

Go Celtics /Pre Shabbat Musings

Dear Friends,
Are you as excited as I am that preseason is over for the NBA and we can get on with the business of redemption from that fateful game 7 loss against the Lakers? With the upcoming match against the Heat, the energy in Boston is incredible.
This reminds me of a beautiful midrash about the creation of the sun and moon in Genesis. The text tells us that "G-d made two great lights---" but then contradicts itself by inferring that the sun was greater. Rashi explains that they were created equal but the moon complained, knowing that inherent in the idea of greatness is singularity. G-d then commands the moon to diminish itself and is then compensated by the host of stars that will now accompany it at night. The moon experiences both loss and gain and reveals the powerful relationship between diminishing oneself in order to increase. A Jew sets his calendar according to the moon, a lunar cycle. Inherent in the passage of time is the waning of the moon and its lessons. To grow, to enhance light, you first need to diminish yourself. Painful sacrifices of self are often needed in order to sustain growth both in the individual and in the world.
When a person gives Tzedakah, and invests their time or money in others, he/she discovers the message of the moon. While a team like the HEAT is HOT, it’s only because they are a team of smoldering individually talented suns! (Not talking about Phoenix) Doc Rivers and the Celtics establishment have a doctrine that emphasizes Team mentality over all. While this approach may diminish the individual brightness sometimes, it s what ultimately allows “STARS” to emerge. This team embodies team effort and partnership. If each player was concerned with personal greatness, they would not have a shared victory.
So, let's raise our glasses in a toast: Here is to the Celts, to us knowing when to diminish ourselves, understanding that humility allows a new light to break through and shine and the beginning of true greatness on the part of all us. "Lchaim!"
Part of being in the lunar cycle, is the possibility for constant spiritual growth . In That Spirit we are offering Three "Lunar Growth" opportunities.
The first one is for adults it’s the new JLI course entitled Medicine and Morals, and it begins on October 27 with both morning and evening options . Both of these classes will be led by Layah Lipsker and you can enroll today by going to www.myjli.com . The second journey is a virtual trip to Israel ,and its for teens only! The course entitled Israel 3D is beginning on Sunday October 24 th and I will be teaching this course. Please enroll your teens today at www.nsjewish.com
The final study opportunity is the long awaited continuation of the Wednesday evening Talmud class which will resume this week at 8:30 in the lower level classrooms at the Chabad Community Shul . LET THE LEARNING BEGIN!!!
On a Separate note , I want to congragulate the Israel 3D interns for winning an international video contest! Click here to view the winning entry

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Recap of an amazing Shabbat Experience

Just wanted to shout out a HUGE thank you to all who made this past
weekends "where the wild things " Hot Shabbat Party, such a Success,
with over 100 men woman and Children truly getting into the Shabbat
Experience

. First and foremost thanks to the Finkels for Sponsoring and Mazal
tov to Robert on your BIG BDAY! Thanks to Layah for ,teaching an
inspiring class on "the Kabbalah of Kosher , For Morah Susan who ran a
wonderful "MINI MINYAN service , to Robin Kaplan who made the first
TOT SHABBAT the fun experience it was for the Children , Thanks to me
as well for doing a special program for the first and second graders
and getting into a great story about Noahs ark titled "we ar e all in
the same boat. Thanks to David Nathan who ran concurently with HOT
SHABBAT, the first (of many more ) North of Boston JEW CREW high
school Shabbaton,and to JOEL Weingarten AKA the Topsfielder REBBI for
a cholent that was GALACTIC. (?.. why not:)...Last but not least every
one of you who participated and walked up the Ramp into the Ark .. (
even though it was a vacation weekend ) and shined your holy souls and
shared your spirit in a true expression of Kehilah , I m so proud to
be part of The Chabad Community Shul! Please mark your calanders for
the next HOT SHABBAT , coming your way November 13th. If you are
interested in joining the new JLI course , medicine and morals ,
proudly offered by the North Shore Community COLEL ,beginning October
27 please log on today to www.mylji.com . If Your will be taking the
new teen JLI course on ISRAEL entitled Israel 3D please enroll today
at by logging on to www.nsjewish.com
AM YISROEL CHAI ...!!
Yossi